This procedure can only be done as part of a research study. This is because there is not enough evidence to be sure how well it works or how safe it is.
Glaucoma is usually caused by fluid building up inside the eye, increasing the pressure. This damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain (optic nerve) and can gradually lead to blindness.
In this procedure, high-intensity ultrasound is used to destroy a small amount of the tissue that makes the fluid. The aim is to reduce the amount of fluid released into the eyeball and to reduce the pressure. Reduced eye pressure may slow or stop further damage to vision.
The NHS website may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.
Is this procedure right for me?
If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and explain the research study, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure and to be in the study. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Some questions to think about
- What does the procedure involve?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?
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